Mother Tongue

Tan posits the idea that we all speak varieties of English. Think about the “Englishes” you speak. How does the audience affect which English you choose to use? What is the effect of a situation or context on which English you choose? What is the impact of medium, such as speech, print, or digital communication, on which English you choose? How might your language choices affect the way others view you?

When communicating through language, what is more important—so-called correctness or “intent…passion…imagery… [and] rhythm,” as Tan argues? Explain your thinking in relation to the theme of Perfect or Broken English.

Teaching Suggestion: Post the line “so easy to read.” Invite students to paraphrase the line in as many ways as possible: It is so easy to read. The manuscript is easy to read. The book is accessible to readers, and so on. Record these paraphrases. Discuss which versions are most correct, purposeful, passionate, image-filled, and rhythmic. Why? Which version do students prefer and why?

Differentiation Suggestion: For visual students, you might ask them to paraphrase using emojis.